How to Make Delicious Chocolate Banana Bread in 1 Hour

There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, especially when that bread is a rich, moist Chocolate Banana Bread! If you’re like me and love to whip up easy pasta recipes for quick family dinners, then this delightful treat is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth in just one hour. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Uses ripe bananas, so no waste and maximum flavor!
• Rich chocolate flavor that will satisfy any chocolate lover.
• Great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.
• Can be made ahead and stored for later enjoyment.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Chocolate Banana Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 3 large brown bananas (1 1/2 cups mashed)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1/4 cup canola oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, divided

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your Chocolate Banana Bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork. Add the melted butter and oil, stirring until combined. Then, stir in the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Fold in 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips over the top. Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few melted chocolate chips are okay!). Check at 50 minutes to be safe, as oven times can vary.
6. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and set it on a wire cooling rack. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges and carefully remove the bread from the pan. Allow it to cool on the wire rack until slightly warm. Slice and serve!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your Chocolate Banana Bread turns out perfectly:

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay!
• For an extra chocolatey treat, try adding some Dark Chocolate Banana Loaf variations by mixing in dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
• If you want to experiment, consider making a Chocolate Cacao Nib Banana Bread by substituting some of the chocolate chips with cacao nibs for a delightful crunch.

How to Serve

This Chocolate Banana Bread is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:

• Enjoy it warm with a pat of butter for breakfast.
• Serve it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon snack.
• For a fun twist, try it with peanut butter for a delicious Peanut Butter Banana Bread experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

This bread is perfect for making ahead! Here’s how to store it:

• Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap and keep it on the counter for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the bread. Cool it completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 1 month. Just defrost before slicing.

So there you have it! A delightful Chocolate Banana Bread recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat after one of your 30-minute meals or a delicious addition to your weeknight dinner ideas, this bread is the answer. Happy baking!